Hogwarts Castle

Since Hollywood is already known for grand mansions and lavish estates, it’s only fitting that a new soaring structure rises from the grounds of Universal Studios Hollywood. Hogwarts Castle, the spectacular centerpiece of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is an eye-popping extravaganza that truly captures the spirit of our favorite boy wizard.

Walk the recreated streets of Hogsmeade to pick up your own wizard’s wand at Ollivanders, or snack on peppermint toads and chocolate frogs at Honeydukes sweet shop. Then pass through the castle gates to step into the world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, complete with Dumbledore’s office and the soaring Gryffindor Common Room. Then it’s time to board the site’s signature attraction, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” you’ll likely be as impressed as the stars of the Harry Potter movies who have also ridden it. “It’s so immersive,” reports actor James Phelps, who played Fred, one of the red-haired Weasley twins. “When you’re in it, you can’t see anyone else riding the ride as well. It’s just you.”

Movie magic, mega attractions—if Hollywood is the land of make believe, then Universal Studios Hollywood is your chance to step into that fantasy world. On a sprawling complex on the east side of the Hollywood Hills, this movie-studio-meets-theme-park blends a studio tour with rides that swoosh, swoop, and dive through movie-and-TV-themed worlds.

Look for the digital signs in the park that highlight the current wait times for all of the rides, as well as the schedule for daily shows. Want to skip most lines? Upgrade to a Universal Express ticket that lets you bypass the queues, or at least buy your ticket online, which gives you access to the park an hour early. To plan out your whole day, download the Universal Studios Hollywood Mobile App, which helps you track ride wait times (and pings you when your favorite ride reaches an ideal timeframe), reminds you about show times, and even leads you back to your car in the parking lot at the end of the day. Staying the night is easy, too: Check out the list of preferred hotels located near the park.

The goal of the attraction was to make the TV show come to life for park goers, who will have to “fight for survival” as they navigate through the post-apocalyptic world. To achieve a realistic feel, Universal Studios Hollywood partnered with the show’s creative team, executive producer and director Greg Nicotero, and his special effects company, KNB EFX. They worked to “make the attraction as 100 percent authentic as possible,” Nicotero said in a behind-the-scenes video from Universal.

That meant using original molds from familiar Walking Dead characters (such as “Bicycle Girl,” seen in the pilot episode) and designing sets to replicate some of the show’s most famous scenes. Guests unfamiliar with the series will love the intense, haunted-house-like adventure, while dedicated Walking Dead fans will feel like they’re getting an exclusive tour of the set.

Those hungry walkers will be a mix of real-life actors in elaborate makeup and animatronic zombies made from molds and hours of detail work—down to their flesh-tearing silicone teeth and the broken capillaries in their acrylic eyeballs.

“We’re getting a chance to do animatronic characters that we’ve never done before,” Nicotero said. “We’re getting to utilize molds that were created specifically for the show and translate them into parts of the attraction. It’s one-of-a-kind and state-of-the-art.”

The effect is so vivid—and perhaps even shocking—that it’s best for kids to skip this attraction: Universal Studios Hollywood does not recommend it for guests younger than 13.

Even if you don’t know all of the nuances of the bespectacled kid with a lightning-bolt-shaped scar, there is an abundance of whimsy and fun in the six-acre attraction. The village-style setting has, as its focus, the iconic Hogwarts Castle, home to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Inside, underneath its soaring ceilings, you can wander the hallowed halls lined with portraits that—just like in the books and movies—talk. Peruse the office of headmaster Albus Dumbledore, look around the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and scope out the Gryffindor Common Room, where Harry and his fellow housemates have been known to dish about those sullen Slytherin kids.

The signature attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, lets you ride your own broomstick for a set of thrills that combines a robotics system, elaborate filmed action sequences, and immersive visceral effects. Outside the castle, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is also home to the first outdoor coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood, the family-friendly "Flight of the Hippogriff."

The rest of the attractions focus on the wizard town of Hogsmeade, made up of cobblestone streets, snowcapped roofs, and an assortment of locals, from the train conductor welcoming arrivals to merchants offering various wizard wares (including the wands at Ollivanders, the screaming yo-yos at Zonko’s, and the chocolate frogs at Honeydukes).

Don’t miss the Owl Post, where resident owls hoot as you pass by. Kids can learn about the old days, when people actually used to send snail-mail messages to one another (or, in Harry’s case, owl-mail messages). Mail a card from this location (written with actual pen, or quill, and paper) and it will get a Hogsmeade postmark.

The immersive wizard experience extends well into dining, too. The Three Broomsticks restaurant in Hogsmeade offers hearty Anglophile fare such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash, as well as classic accompaniments like sticky toffee pudding. You’ll be tempted to start your Wizarding World of Harry Potter day right here: Three Broomsticks does a legit full English breakfast, featuring eggs, sausage, bacon, baked beans, and even black pudding. (American staples are available too.)

And here’s good news for Muggles over the age of 21: The adjoining Hog’s Head pub has original draft beers and spirits created exclusively for the attraction, including Dragon Scale, Wizard’s Brew, and Firewhisky. At the pub, and all around Hogsmeade, you can also order an all-ages-friendly Butterbeer (think cream soda, with a twist), along with Pumpkin Juice, Pumpkin Fizz, and gently flavored Gilly Water. After all, fending off the Dark Arts works up quite a thirst.

Studio Tour

With a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making magic, plus blockbuster-themed detours along the way, the world-famous Studio Tour that snakes you through the back lots at Universal Studios Hollywood ranks as a must-do ride in California. Sure, it’s primarily a theme park ride, so you’re probably not going to see Brad Pitt strolling by, but you really do get to see the sets and learn about classics ranging from Frankenstein to Jaws. Then slip on 3D glasses as you drive into wraparound action, especially the technologically advanced Fast & Furious—Superchargedthrill ride —where make believe becomes reality as you’re placed into the action during a high-octane scene. The groundbreaking attraction, presented as the grand finale to the Studio Tour, catapults you into the high-stakes underground world of street racing at perceived speeds of more than 120 miles per hour/193 kilometers per hour.

Another detour takes you into a 360-degree, 3D jungle that feels startlingly real, especially when King Kong emerges to battle dinosaurs—with your tram rocking and rolling in the middle of the brawl. Mellower sections of the tram tour wind through real sets of make-believe towns, cities, and suburban neighborhoods used in hundreds of films and TV shows, as well as original sets from major films like Psycho, Jaws, and War of the Worlds. Live guides and onboard videos featuring late-night TV host Jimmy Fallon add entertaining insights along the way.

Insider tip: Lines can get long here, but don’t worry—trams depart almost non-stop, so lines move fairly quickly.

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Making of Fast & Furious Ride

Go behind-the-scenes on the making of the Fast & Furious - Supercharged thrill ride.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

This colorful section of Universal Studio Hollywood is an instant hit with kids—and anyone else who has a soft spot for the banana-colored stars of the Despicable Me movies. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is a motion-simulator ride: You sit, buckled into your seat, while the floor lifts and tilts and you seemingly careen inside a 3-D movie. The ride lets you into the home of the seemingly villainous (but otherwise hapless) Gru, where you bounce, plunge, and plummet through a Minion training mission. And all that excitement ends with a wild dance party. Even waiting to board the ride is entertaining, with multiple screens showing bits of wisdom from Gru and his right-hand Minions like Dave, Stuart, and Lance.

Keep the Minion theme going by visiting the adjacent Super Silly Fun Land, which brings alive the carnival from the first movie with fountains, wet and dry play areas, and the classic-style Silly Swirly Fun Ride, which gives you a full view of all of the hijinks below. Try to win one of the movie’s famous stuffed unicorns in a game, or shop for them—along with character dolls and a “fart-gun” that really smells like bananas—in the Minion Mayhem gift shop.

VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood

Feel like a movie star yourself when you book the VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. First there’s that valet parking—not bad. Then there’s that private entrance leading you to an exclusive lounge, where you relax with snacks and refreshments, in your own A-lister’s inner sanctum. Next, you meet your expert guide for the day, who will go out of his or her way to find out what kind of insider tips and movie facts you’d like to know more about as you tour the back lot and soundstages. They’re also very helpful when the urge to take a group photo in front of your favorite movie set strikes.

Unlike the standard back-lot tour, this tour lets you get out of your group’s private trolley and walk around. You’ll be able to wander around and get up-close looks at sets, learn about lighting and camera angles, and see where current TV shows and movies are being shot. Pose for a selfie at the steps of Norman Bates’ house from Psycho, or wander through the Bravermans’ living room from the long-running TV series Parenthood. A favorite stop is the massive prop warehouse, which houses an impressive collection of movie paraphernalia, from vintage bowling bags to full suits of armor. The tour includes a gourmet lunch prepared by the studio’s executive chef and served in a private dining room, as well as front-of-the-line privileges for all rides throughout the day, prime seats secured by your guide at all shows, and meet-and-greets with featured performers.

Universal CityWalk

For a concentrated dose of nightlife, dining, and oh-I-need-that shopping, be sure to visit the bustling, pedestrian-only Universal CityWalk complex. Actually, you can’t really miss it—walking routes from Universal Studios Hollywood’s main parking structure take you right through CityWalk. Plus, there’s no admission, so you can visit CityWalk even if you don’t have tickets to the theme park. Don’t miss the dancing water fountain display at its center, designed by the same folks who created the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. And keep an eye out for the camera crews and hosts of the TV show Extra, who regularly film segments around the theme park and CityWalk.

Not surprisingly, movies are well represented here: Grab one of the plush recliners seats at Universal Cinema, a 18-screen multiplex, plus an IMAX theatre projecting films seven stories high. And for thrills of a different kind, experience the sensation of freefalling while skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel at iFLY Hollywood. Free outdoor concerts feature lights shows and plenty of room for dancing—though you might have find someone to hold all the shopping bags you’ll be toting, what with stores like Abercrombie & Fitch, Fossil, and Billabong lining the plazas and walkways.

Springfield

Step into the make-believe world of America’s loudest cartoon dad, Homer Simpson, in this crayon-bright recreation of Springfield, now fronting the popular The Simpsons ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. Designed to make you feel as if you’ve stepped through your TV into the recreated hometown of the wisecracking Simpsons clan, the outdoor experience lets you visit Bart's favorite hangouts. Stop by Moe’s Tavern, Lard Lad Donuts, or Duff Brewery, all under the shadow of show-inspired landmarks, such Stu’s Disco, where the marquee reads, “Closed until disco comes back.” Other familiar Springfield eateries come to life here too, so you can get a “Genuine Clown-Endorsed Meal” at Krusty Burger or order a cheesy pie at Luigi’s Pizza, all while Homer’s workplace, Mr. Burns’ Nuclear Power Plant, lets loose with a (whoops, did someone push the wrong button?) make-believe meltdown.

The Simpsons Ride

Step into Universal Studios Hollywood’s crayon-bright recreation of the cartoon town of Springfield, then board The Simpsons Ride, a simulator ride that celebrates the bizarre animated world of Homer, Bart, Lisa, and the motley characters from The Simpsons.

Designed to make you feel as if you’ve stepped through your TV into the long-running series, this section of Universal Studios Hollywood invites you to visit many of Homer’s regular hangouts—which also make up a good portion of Universal Studios Hollywood’s inside-the-park dining options. Stop by Moe’s Tavern, Lard Lad Donuts, or Duff Brewery, all under the shadow of show-inspired landmarks, such Stu’s Disco, where the marquee reads, “Closed until disco comes back.” Other familiar Springfield eateries come to life here too, so you can get a “Genuine Clown-Endorsed Meal” at Krusty Burger or order a cheesy pie at Luigi’s Pizza, all while Homer’s workplace, Mr. Burns’ Nuclear Power Plant, lets loose with a (whoops, did someone push the wrong button?) make-believe meltdown.

Then board the ride, which takes the experience to another level. Technically, the Simpsons scenes are just projected around you while your car lifts and tilts, but the feeling is all real—as if you are zooming through a psycho animated universe. You start in a carnival midway, then rocket through Krustyland, the fantasy amusement park created by creepy-cranky Krusty the Clown. With the show’s real actors voicing the characters and offering plenty of subversive humor, the ride effectively captures the unique essence of the show—so if you’re a fan, it’s a must-ride experience.

Live Shows at Universal Studios Hollywood

For all of the movie magic and animation at Universal Studios Hollywood, you can also catch plenty of live shows, which offer their own versions of behind-the-scene explorations of movie magic. Go to one of these shows and you’ll get a nice reminder that, beyond the theme park rides, this is still a vibrant working studio.

At the Special Effects Show, for instance, you’ll see live demonstrations of how digital and 3-D technology—as well as old-fashioned pyrotechnics—create vivid illusions for movies. Or, watch jet-ski stunts, perilous plunges, and a simulated seaplane crash at WaterWorld (the top-rated live show may now be more popular than the 1995 movie that inspired it). Kids and pet lovers, meanwhile, won’t want to miss the Universal’s Animal Actors show, which highlights the talents and charms of a variety of dogs, cats, and birds who have starred in Universal films—including a few of the owls who have winged their way into Harry Potter movies.

More Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood

What are you in the mood for? Heart-pounding adventure? Lighthearted fun? From warring extraterrestrial robotic life-forms and lurching mummies to the big, lovable Panda named Po, rides at Universal Studios Hollywood transport you to a wide range of movie-themed worlds. Get swept up in the jaw-dropping, multi-sensory adventure that is the Dreamworks Theatre featuring Kung Fu Panda attraction, which uses state-of-the-art visual effects and first-ever interior projection mapping to place you smack in the middle of the action. On Revenge of the Mummy–The Ride, rocket through impenetrable darkness and fiery pyrotechnics as an eerie, ancient world unfolds in front of you, and get heckled by particularly disgusting (were they actually hissing?) mummies. On Transformers: The Ride-3D, flight simulation technology blasts you into the future to battle for the survival of humanity against towering Decepticons. With Optimus Prime by your side, you just might stand a chance.

But not all of the giants on Universal’s rides are so likely to make your heart skip a beat from the intense adrenaline surge. Little kids will love Super Silly Fun Land, inspired by the whimsical seaside theme park in the first Despicable Me movie. Let them run around and cool off among the 80 water playground features, ride the old-school (and not too intense) Silly Swirly Fun Ride, or test their water marksmanship at the Super Silly Space Killer arcade game—if only for the chance to win one of the stuffed unicorns and shout the movie’s famous line, “It’s so fluffy!”

Special Events

From the heart-warming to the heart-stopping, events at Universal Studios Hollywood jazz up the holidays throughout the year.

The theme park does some serious celebrating in September and October with its Halloween Horror Nights, a scare fest that’s not for the squeamish (nor the little ones—too scary for them!). Follow creepy mazes that bring classic horror movies and TV series to life, taking you through gloomy spaces and set recreations—you never know when werewolves, vampires, and zombies might jump out at you. Even the clowns are psychotic, set to awesome music by guitarist Slash. Get terrorized by Jason, Freddy and Leatherface, experience The Shining, The Walking Dead and The Purge, to name just a few of the attractions featured, and the 2018 addition—a Halloween Horror Nights maze inspired by the first season of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. Oh, and the signature back lot tram ride? Get ready for an apocalyptic journey with yes, more zombies. (The seasonal festival has been so successful that it inspired the year-round Walking Dead Attraction.)

Winter holidays are another big draw, with Cindy Lou and her Who friends reading the Dr. Seuss classic book during Grinchmas. There’s also a nightly tree-lighting ceremony complete with a picturesque evening snowfall—and Hogsmeade will offer holiday-themed foods as well as a yuletide version of the summer light show across Hogwarts Castle. Universal CityWalk marks the holiday season with concerts, nightly snowfall of its own, and a giant tree during CityWalk Holiday Season.

Regions

Pick a region form the map or the list below to explore.

Regions

Scroll down to explore the twelve regions of California.

1. Shasta Cascade

This region, in California’s northeast corner, is known for mountains, forests, waterfalls, and amazing, safe-to-visit volcanoes. The region, a 3-hour drive north of Sacramento, gets its name from the rugged Cascade Mountains and their signature peak in state, 14,180-foot/4,322-meter Mount Shasta—yes, a volcano.

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2. North Coast

With crashing waves along the coast and soaring redwood trees blanketing miles of uncrowded parkland, this is one of California’s most spectacular regions. The largest city, Eureka, is roughly a 5-hour drive north of San Francisco—but what a drive: see lush wine country, charming hamlets, spouting whales, and breathtaking sunsets.

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3. Gold Country

The western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Range, defining California’s eastern border, are known as the Gold Country, named after the rich Mother Lode discovered here in the mid-1850s. While gold is still found in the region, new riches include top museums and art in Sacramento, the state capital, plus whitewater rafting, tucked-away towns, farm-fresh dining, and award-winning wines.

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4. San Francisco Bay Area

On the western oceanfront of Northern California, at the state’s distinctive bend along the coast, lies this breathtaking region. It’s framed by an unforgettable gateway—the iconic Golden Gate Bridge—spanning the mouth of San Francisco Bay. Explore diverse cities, picturesque hamlets, family-friendly beaches, coastal parklands, and wine country, including Napa and Sonoma wine country, 1½ hours north of San Francisco.

5. High Sierra

Nicknamed “California’s backbone,” this region of towering granite peaks defines much of the state’s eastern boundary. Visit Yosemite Valley, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, and the giant trees of Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks—all within a day’s drive of either San Francisco or L.A. In winter, enjoy snow sports; in summer, go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or boating.

6. Central Valley

Running right down the middle of California, this broad region contains some of most productive farmland in the world. Wine country around Lodi features big, bold reds. Further south, Fresno has a lively arts scene.

8. Deserts

This dramatic region takes up the southeastern half of the state. Remarkable desert parklands, including Death Valley, Joshua Tree, and Anza-Borrego, provide an extraordinary chance to explore, while the oasis-like allure of Palm Springs, 3 hours northeast of San Diego, offers sunny resort-style getaways, with golf, tennis, spas, and high-end shopping.

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9. Inland Empire

This densely populated Southern California region has surprising alpine getaways, like Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead, in the impressive San Bernardino Range. On the region’s sunny east side, explore the inviting Temecula Valley wine region. The university town of Riverside is the region’s largest city. San Bernardino, the second largest city, has museums and impressive shopping, while Fontana has NASCAR racing.

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10. Los Angeles County

This sunny region along the state’s southern coast is California’s most populated region, best known as the capital of the entertainment industry. Here, movie stars really do work in Hollywood, play in the surf at Malibu, and shop in Beverly Hills. Looping freeways make the car king, but the region also has a surprisingly good network of buses and light rail—a hassle-free way to explore.

11. Orange County

Tucked between San Diego and Los Angeles Counties, this region is known for flawless beaches and “the happiest place on earth,” Disneyland Resort. Anaheim, the theme park’s home, offers a surprisingly hip vibe in a refurbished downtown. Newport Beach has dazzling yachts, Huntington Beach has iconic surfing, and Costa Mesa beckons with top shopping.

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12. San Diego County

This sun-and-surf region is known for some of the best weather and warmest water in the state. San Diego, the state’s second largest city, is home to the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, one of the world’s great urban parks. For family fun, play at SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California. Inland, discover surprising mountain towns like Julian, known for orchards and apple pie.